Robert “Bob” William Rhodes, Sr., 93, of Morganton, NC, went home to be with the Lord and his family on Tuesday, July 16, 2024.
Born in Burke County, NC on June 19, 1931, he was the son of the late Frank Murray Rhodes and Lillian Mae Setzer Rhodes. Bob graduated from Morganton High School in 1950 and entered the US Air Force in 1951. He was discharged in 1955 after serving during the Korean War. He received the National Defense Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. He was an Airman First Class as member of the 99th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing, Squadron 348. He spent most of his service time at Fairchild Air Force Base in Spokane, WA.
In 1952, Bob married the love of his life, Laura. He was a member of Oak Hill United Methodist Church. He was a member of the Methodist Men, superintendent of the Sunday school, Sunday school statistician, and member of the Wade Aldridge Sunday School Class. Bob was also a member of the Morganton Jaycees and served as a state officer. He was employed with Home Laundry, Skyland Textiles, and Dana Corporation. Bob enjoyed camping, and traveling with his wife and family.
Bob is survived by his wife of 72 years, Laura Galloway Rhodes; son, Robert “Bobby” William Rhodes, Jr. (Carol Buchanan); daughter, Susan Rhodes Propst; grandson, William D. Propst (Sami) and Adam Propst (Susan);
great-grandchildren, Oliver, Keslee, Cole, and Kyle; and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family.
In addition to his parents, Bob was preceded in death by two brothers, Frank I. “Jack” Rhodes and Murray T. Rhodes.
The family will receive friends from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., Saturday, August 3, 2024 at Oak Hill United Methodist Church. The funeral will be held at noon in the church with Rev. Adam Love and Rev. Owen Peeler officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with military honors provided by the US Air Force. At other times the family will be at the home of the daughter, Susan Propst.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Oak Hill United Methodist Church, Capital Reserve Fund, 2239 NC 181, Morganton, NC 28655.
Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.
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Bobby, praying for you and your family.
I am so sorry to hear of Bob's passing. My prayers for his family and friends.
Susan, Carol, and family, so sorry for your loss. It's never easy when they leave us. Bless all of you.
So sorry to hear. Bob was such a gentle spirit. Looked forward to seeing him in church on Sundays. Prayers for you all.
Dear Susan and family, I am so sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. I know how much you loved and took care of him. May God you you the peace and comfort that you need in the days ahead. Love you, Catherine Williams
So so sorry for sweet Bob. My prayers are with the family.
We are so saddened about the loss of your wonderful father. What a great father, grandfather, husband and man of faith. I know you want him here, but God needed him to come home to be healed and live an eternal life. He will always be in your heart and mind. I know he is watching over the family. Love David and Debra
So sorry to hear the passing of Bob. He was the sweetest most kindest man I knew. Bob and Laura always bought my daughter a Christmas fruit basket from Oak hill for years. I will keep Laura, Bob Jr, Susan and family in my prayers during this difficult time. God Bless Gina Rudicill Daughter of Sam and Jean Rudicill
Bob was a surrogate father figure for me. When my Daddy passed, he made the loss easier to handle. His life reminded me of where my Dad is. I'm sure they'll be laughing about their daughters antics now. My solace is knowing we'll all be together again someday. Until then, our snowed in Christmas sleepover memories live on. Love you Bob.